The Texans have waived 2013 third-round pick Brennan Williams with a failed physical designation, a source tells Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Assuming Williams passes through waivers unclaimed, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent able to sign with any team.

Still, while Williams should become a free agent, there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to continue his NFL career, which was derailed by knee injuries before it really began. Williams, 23, battled a knee injury last summer and then underwent microfracture surgery on his other knee. The North Carolina alum was unable to participate in OTAs this spring as he continued to recover from the procedure, and the fact that the Texans are willing to part ways with him at this point suggests the team isn’t confident he’ll get healthy enough to contribute.

Cutting Williams opens up a roster spot for the Texans, so the club will likely sign someone to fill that opening soon.